| Clary Sage | |
| Salvia sclarea |
A small perennial most popular as a colorful garden ornamental. Additionally, Clary Sage has important historical edible and medicinal uses.
Description: A short-lived, herbaceous perennial growing to 1-2 feet, and up to 3 feet when in flower. Leaves grow to 6-8" long, with a distinctive wooly-like texture. Flower clusters are quite colorful, containing numerous white-pink-purple blooms. Leaves and stem have a strong odor when rubbed.
Hardiness: Biennial. Hardy to some frost, generally to as low as zone 6.
Growing Environment: Grows well in full sun and in confined spaces. Grow in well-drained soil, water moderately. It is mildly drought tolerant, but grows best with regular watering. Flowering often begins the following year after seeds are sown. Plants will self sow.
Propagation: By seeds. Seeds should be planted in moderately moist, well-drained soil kept at 70F or higher.
Uses: Most commonly grown for its essential oil, containing a fragrant compound sclareol which is used in the perfume industry. Commercial growing of Clary Sage occurs today in parts of Europe. The leaves have been used as a vegetable and have historical use in the production of wines, tobaccos and as a substitute or enhancement for hops. Use of the seeds as an eye wash dates back to Roman times. As the seeds contain a mucilaginous coat, it was thought that putting a seed in an eye that contained a foreign body would adhere to said body and clear the eye. Clary Sage was once also considered an aphrodisiac.
Native Range: Native from the northern Mediterranean region through Central Asia.